Stanstead Abbotts Crime Rate

Stanstead Abbotts is a secure and well-regarded village, as evidenced by its strong safety score of 86/100. The village's overall crime rate is 58.1 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. Recent data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a stable trend, with total crime changing by only 0.8% year-over-year. Property crime is also relatively low at 21.1 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 32.3. While violence and anti-social behaviour are the most commonly reported issues, the low rates of burglary and vehicle crime highlight Stanstead Abbotts as a safe and stable community for its 4,598 residents.

In Stanstead Abbotts, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, making up 35.6% of all reports with 95 recorded incidents. Anti-social behaviour is second at 17.2%, followed by vehicle crime at 8.6%. These figures indicate that while personal safety is the primary statistical concern, opportunistic property crime is also a factor in the local area.

Property-related crime—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—sits at a rate of 21.1 per 1,000 residents. While this is well below the UK average of 32.3, it represents a tangible risk for the community. Within this category, vehicle crime (23 cases) and criminal damage (19 cases) are more common than burglary (15 cases). The burglary rate is 3.3 per 1,000 people, accounting for 5.6% of total crime. For residents, this means that while home security is important, protecting vehicles and preventing opportunistic theft or damage are equally significant priorities. The presence of shoplifting (17 cases) also points to activity around the local commercial areas.

The crime trend in Stanstead Abbotts is stable, with only a 0.8% change in total crime over the last 12 months. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows the crime rate fluctuating, with a low of 2.4 in February and a peak of 7.0 in August.

Despite the spike in August, the overall trend has been consistent, with the year ending at a rate of 5.0 in November. This suggests that the summer months may see a temporary increase in activity, but the village generally maintains a steady and low crime volume. For residents, this stable trend reinforces Stanstead Abbotts' status as a safe place to live. Continued vigilance during the busier summer months is advised, but the long-term data indicates a community that maintains its high safety standards effectively.

How To Keep Safe in Stanstead Abbotts

The most prevalent crime type in Stanstead Abbotts is violence and sexual offences, making up 35.6% of all reports. This category often includes non-public incidents, but maintaining general awareness is always a good practice.

• Vehicle Security: Vehicle crime accounts for 8.6% of local crime and peaks at night (49%). Always lock your car, close windows, and ensure no bags or electronics are visible from the outside.
• Support Local Businesses: With shoplifting being a notable crime type (6.4%), being a vigilant shopper and reporting suspicious behaviour can help local retailers maintain a safe high street.
• Home Security Awareness: While burglary is low (5.6%), ensure your home is well-lit at night. Use motion-sensor lights on driveways and near entry points to deter opportunistic intruders.
• Report ASB: Anti-social behaviour makes up 17.2% of local crime. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps ensure that public spaces like parks and the high street remain welcoming for everyone.
• Join Neighbourhood Watch: Engaging with your neighbours and joining a local watch scheme is one of the most effective ways to maintain Stanstead Abbotts' high safety standards.

Crime in Stanstead Abbotts follows a predictable daily cycle. Morning and afternoon hours see a higher concentration of theft and shoplifting, peaking when the village's retail areas are busiest. Afternoon hours also see the highest percentage of burglaries (24%), likely targeting homes while residents are out. As evening sets in, the focus shifts toward anti-social behaviour and public order issues. The night-time period is particularly notable for vehicle crime, which accounts for 49% of all incidents between midnight and 6am. This suggests that while daytime concerns are more social and retail-oriented, the primary risk to property occurs overnight. Residents should ensure that vehicles are securely parked and homes are well-protected during these vulnerable late-night hours.

Stanstead Abbotts occupies a middle ground for safety within its local area. When compared to nearby settlements, it is significantly safer than Hoddesdon, which has a much higher crime rate of 81.1. However, it has a slightly higher crime rate than immediate neighbours like Hertford Heath (48.0) and Great Amwell (54.6). It also compares well to Roydon in the neighbouring Epping Forest district, which has a rate of 60.4. Stanstead Abbotts offers a safe, village-based lifestyle that is far more secure than the national average, making it an attractive option for those prioritising a stable and secure residential environment in the region.

With a property crime rate of 21.1 per 1,000, Stanstead Abbotts is a safe area, but the presence of vehicle crime and shoplifting indicates that opportunistic offenders are active. Traditional security systems like basic CCTV or Ring cameras are reactive; they record footage of a crime while it happens. For homeowners who want to ensure their property remains secure, proactive protection is the most effective choice.

An AI-powered operating system like scOS is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundary 24/7, scOS can identify potential threats in real-time. If a suspicious individual approaches, the system can autonomously activate lights or audio deterrents, removing the element of surprise. In a village like Stanstead Abbotts, where vehicle crime often happens under the cover of darkness, scOS's ability to verify vehicles and provide autonomous responses offers a level of security that traditional recording-only systems simply cannot match.